$1 million reward in Dana Seetahal murder

Crime scene officers working at the scene of the murder of Dana Seetahal in Port of Spain early today. PHOTO by ANISTO ALVES

Donstan Bonn

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SHOT TO DEATH IN WOODBROOK: Dana Seetahal

Mark Fraser

A $1 million reward is being offered by Crime Stoppers for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved in the murder of attorney Dana Seetahal. At about 12:05 a.m. senior counsel Dana Seetahal was in her Volkswagen SUV proceeding north along Hamilton-Holder street, Woodbrook when upon reaching the vicinity of the Woodbrook Youth Facility two vehicles pulled alongside her causing her to come to a stop. One of the vehicles, a Nissan Wingroad, then drove ahead a short distance and pulled across the road, blocking it.

The other vehicle which was described as a panel van pulled alongside and the occupants of that vehicle pulled out their firearms and opened fire on the SUV. The two vehicles then sped off and made good their escape. Residents of the area, on hearing the gunshots contacted the police and emergency health services.

However, despite their swift response, when they arrived the senior counsel and Express columnist was dead --- slumped along her driver's seat.

The first responders notified their seniors and a party of officers including ACP Wayne Dick, Senior Superintendent Ishmael David, Acting ASP Williams, Inspector Thomas, Inspector Veronique, Inspector Lawrence, and Inspector Rampersad, among others, visited the scene. Crime scene investigators recovered several 5.62 shells at the scene. Police suspect that because of the nature of the incident it was a "hit" arising out of the Senior Counsel's involvement in the Vindra Naipaul-Coolman case.

Ag Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams said: "It's shocking. Crime is a concern especially violent crime. It's a shocking incident, one you least expect. "I had a conversation with her at around 12.45 pm on Saturday and everything was fine. "We need to work as a country together", Williams said. Williams said he had been apprised of the killing, and head of Homicide ACP Wayne Dick has been in constant communication with him. Williams assured there will be a thorough investigation, and that his officers are on the scene doing a basic investigation.